Award-winning history in my book.

I really, really enjoyed Alice Sparberg Alexiou's history title The Flatiron: The New York Landmark and the Incomparable City That Arose with It.

Most people are familiar with the Flatiron Building in New York City, even if they've never been there, because it is nearly as iconic as the Empire State Building or the Chrysler Building. It's been widely photographed and painted, largely because of its unique triangular shape and old-world styling. In this history of the building, Alexiou* offers a broad architectural and social history tale, describing the business of Harry Black, the man who contracted to have it built (and who wanted it named the Fuller Building, after his company, but that name never stuck), the construction of the building itself, and the broader social and architectural history of New York City. Consider:

 "People gasped at the sight of the skyscrapers. They waited for them to collapse, but none did. Critics denounced what they considered the sheer ugliness of the new buildings. There was no possible way, they shouted, for skyscrapers to be made beautiful." (p. 13.)

I really enjoyed the tidbits like that; they helped me feel the context of the times. Imagine thinking, now, that skyscrapers might fall down.

There's nothing fancy here, but Alexiou does a great job of mixing up personal stories with architectural and engineering details; it is simply a very readable history on an interesting subject. Perhaps its subject isn't "big" enough, but this is the type of history book I'd like to see win a few more awards. I tend to think of this type of book as good journeyman nonfiction--a subject that hasn't been done to death, good straightforward prose, strong storytelling but not necessarily story-driven or breathlessly told, good basic research, endnotes and indexing. In short: two thumbs up, and definitely a book you'll want to read if you're interested in New York City, architecture, or early twentieth-century American business and social history.

*Alexiou is also the granddaughter of a man who once owned the Flatiron (along with several others), giving this narrative a nice personal touch as well. (And it looks like she's also written a biography of Jane Jacobs, Jane Jacobs: Urban Visionary, which I will have to look into.)

Comments

[LINDA from EACH LITTLE WORLD]

Lots of catching up on your posts. I love the Flatiron Bldg. so thanks for bringing this book to my attention. Today no one would ever give it that nickname as I don't think people iron anymore (let alone call them flatirons). If you stand on State Street in Madison at about the intersection of Gorham St., you will notice every intersection from there to the Capitol has triangular buildings on two, if not all four, corners.

[Citizen Reader]

Linda,
I'm so glad you commented on this post! It's been one of my favorite books of the year so far (and actually, last year too)--just very accessible and the right amount of detail--by the time you're "done" with the story, the book is done!

I love the Flatiron Bldg too (as well as NYC in general) so I hope you enjoy this one too. Let me know what you think!

I LOVE State St. too, although I've had some depressing times on State St. (watching shoplifting at the Exclusive Co. and crazy sports fans smash the street lights because their stupid football team WON the game count as two low points)--but the history and architecture? Gorgeous. Is there a good book around just on State St.?

[LINDA from EACH LITTLE WORLD]

The book that might interest you is Zane Williams' "Double Take' where he used old photos and reshot the same location (same time of day, year, camera angle) today. Very interesting and lovely (and sometimes depressing) book. You should also consider taking the Madison Trust for Historic Preservation State St. tour when they restart in the spring. Lots of fun and very informative!